This Easy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a tasty and filling dish! It combines juicy ground beef, fresh zucchini, and cheese for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
I always enjoy how quick it is to make! Just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and soon you’ll have a warm, cheesy dinner. Perfect for busy nights! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option or ground turkey if you want something lighter. If you’re vegetarian, consider using lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you’re out of zucchini, eggplant slices or yellow squash work well too. You can also use frozen zucchini if that’s what you have on hand.
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for melting, but feel free to swap it with provolone or Monterey Jack. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese that melts well. Ricotta adds creaminess but can be skipped if you prefer a lighter casserole.
Marinara Sauce: Any tomato sauce will do! You can use homemade sauce, a store-bought option, or even a can of diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Zucchini in a Casserole?
Cooking zucchini can be tricky—too much heat and it gets mushy! To keep it just right, layer it at the bottom of your casserole dish. This way, it cooks gently while soaking up those tasty beef juices without overcooking.
- Slice zucchini thinly to allow for even cooking.
- Layer it in a single layer at the bottom of the dish for the best results.
- Use a mixture of fresh herbs in the beef to complement the zucchini and make sure it’s well-seasoned.
Easy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or basil and oregano)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, totaling around 55 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great time-saving meal that you can easily pop in the oven while you prepare other side dishes or relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells fantastic!
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef into the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully browned and there’s no pink left. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep your casserole nice and lean.
4. Combine with Sauce:
Now, stir in the marinara sauce and sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine all the wonderful flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you’d like!
5. Layer the Casserole:
In your greased casserole dish, start creating layers. First, spread half of the sliced zucchini evenly on the bottom. Next, add half of your beef mixture on top of that. If you’re using ricotta, dollop it over the beef layer.
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the beef mixture for that cheesy goodness. Then, repeat the layers—another round of zucchini, beef mixture, ricotta (if using), and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and return it to the oven to bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is nicely bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take it out and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving, and then enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!
This comforting casserole is not only easy but also full of flavor and goodness! Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works just as well in this recipe. It will yield a slightly different flavor but still delicious!
What Can I Do If I’m Out of Zucchini?
No worries! You can substitute zucchini with thinly sliced eggplant, yellow squash, or even bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time for denser vegetables accordingly.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm in the oven until heated through.
